1.
multi-purpose; multipurpose; versatile
Describes a tool, machine, facility, or material that can serve many different uses. Primarily attaches to a noun as a modifier either directly (多用途機 'multi-purpose machine') or with の (多用途の布 'versatile cloth'). Common in product descriptions, marketing copy, defense news, and technical contexts.
多用途{ナイフ|}。
A multi-purpose knife.
この布は多用途に使える。
This cloth can be used for many purposes.
新型の多用途{ヘリコプター|}が配備された。
A new-model multi-purpose helicopter has been deployed.
多用途{ホール|}として設計されたこの建物は、会議にもコンサートにも使われている。
Designed as a multi-purpose hall, this building is used for both conferences and concerts.
Compound of 多 ('many') and 用途 ('use; application'). The prefix 多- forms many similar words: 多機能 ('multifunction'), 多目的 ('multipurpose'), 多言語 ('multilingual').
USAGE:
- Most often used as a prefix in compound nouns without a particle: 多用途機, 多用途車, 多用途{ヘリコプター|}, 多用途{ホール|}.
- As a predicate with a copula: この道具は多用途だ ('This tool is versatile').
- Adverbially with に: 多用途に使える / 使われる ('can be used for many purposes').
- In informal speech, the near-synonym 多目的 is more common; 多用途 has a more technical, product-spec feel.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 多用途機: multi-purpose machine/aircraft
- 多用途車: multi-purpose vehicle
- 多用途{ナイフ|}: multi-purpose knife
- 多用途{ヘリコプター|}: multi-purpose helicopter
- 多用途{ホール|}: multi-purpose hall
- 多用途に使える: to be usable for many purposes
- 多用途護衛艦: multi-purpose escort ship (defense term)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 多目的: multipurpose — the most common near-synonym, especially for facilities (多目的{ホール|}, 多目的{トイレ|}).
- 多機能: multifunctional — stresses multiple built-in functions, esp. of electronic/digital products.
- 万能: all-purpose; omnipotent — stronger claim; suggests it works for everything.
- 汎用: general-purpose — often used in technical/industrial contexts (汎用機 'general-purpose machine').